Karen Carpenter Vs John Bonham - Yes This Really Happened - Led Zeppelin Carpenters

[@TJRtheOriginal]

UPDATE - PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING I have received a number of comments stating that John Bonham stated that Karen Carpenter “wouldn’t last 5 minutes with a Led Zeppelin song” vs “10 minutes” as stated in the video I also have received a number comments stating that I got the rankings wrong. That Bonham ranked 11 and Carpenter ranked 10 Vs the my reported Bonham at 6 and Carpenter at 5. I went back and researched further and all the quotes on the from Vanity Fair journalist LISA ROBINSON do quote that Bonham stated 10 minutes and not 5 Minutes. Many have argued out that there are no Led Zeppelin songs that run 10 minutes in length so why would Bonham say 10 minutes? This is incorrect as there are a couple of Zeppelin songs that run 10 min or more. As for the rankings: After doing some more research on the matter, It would appear that I was incorrect and Bonham ranked 11 and Karen at 10 I tried to understand where I got 5 and 6 vs 11 and 10 but so far I am unable to explain that error at this time (except to say that I goofed). But my feeling is that this error in numbers does not affect the basic point of my video, which was that comparing great musicians of different genre’s is like comparing apples to oranges. And that you should instead focus on appreciating what both have to offer vs trying to rank them against each other (and Karen did still place one spot above John Bonham, and Bonham did express a great deal of anger over it). Thanks everyone for watching and commenting. I really do appreciate it.

[@joustwave6541]

They may not have many album cuts that break 10 minutes but there are plenty of sub-10 songs that they regularly stretched out to 10-plus in a live setting, including Moby Dick. So it's probably that live setting that he was referring to, if he was referring to anything.

[@Bob-q5s]

Didn't Bonham's band play very long medleys at shows?

[@fiendishthingy1630]

A song does not have to last 10 minutes to have his claim make sense. It would merely have to be playing a concert for 10 minutes. Would Karen have been up to the Bonham energetic style? Probably not, but neither would many jazz-oriented drummers.

[@alanmcentee9457]

If Bonham was 11 and Carpenter was 10, who were the other 9? (I suspect that Ringo was on the list mostly because of his history, even though he was better than given credit. ) A poll of a group on their favorite performer only reflects their knowledge of the scene. It doesn't reflect reality. You could pick a list of 25 drummers as the best and miss 2,500 drummers that are better. The same with singers, guitarists, and bassists. We will pick the ones with the hit songs because those are the ones we know. And very few drummers are the front man like Karen Carpenter was. I'm reminded of the scene in the movie "Crossroads" where the devil could play licks unimagined, but couldn't play classical. Eddie van Halen can play rock like no one's business. But can he also play classical or a Dobro slide? My GF liked the Carpenters so I was aware of them. Most of my friends were into Led Zepplin. Saccharin and loud were not my ideas of music. I was much more enamored by David Gilmore who could make his guitar sing. His solos never got lost in the number of notes played or doing a perfect run of hemi demi semi quavers. But that is me. Just my opinion, but Keith Moon was a better drummer than Bonham.

[@screwyootube1]

⁠@@alanmcentee9457 While I understand that you don’t like Led Zeppelin (everyone has different tastes, and that’s a good thing), there’s nothing saccharin about them.

[@marctoupin3968]

She was a great drummer in her own right. I’m quite tired of those « pissing contests ». Who cares whether X is better than Y? They were both great musicians playing different kinds of music.

[@shawnkennedy855]

Agree completely but at the end of the day,it's all about songwriting.

[@Sirala6]

They made her stand out front, instead of allowing her the gift she had. She should have stayed behind the drum kit maybe it was her therapy.

[@kimbrown419]

​@@Sirala6wow I bet your right. She was out in front and very self-conscious about her weight. If she had stayed on drums, her weight may not have been as big of issue. Of course we will never know, but I think we can agree that she was a lovely singer and is missed by many!

[@wildbill7081]

Yes very well said@@kimbrown419

[@spilleradam]

John Bonham was definitely a better drummer, but the music was completely different Karen carpenter could sing and play the drums it’s really a ridiculous comparison, I like Led Zeppelin there my favourite band, but I also like the carpenters.

[@kevinp3550]

I've seen a number of articles that quoted Buddy Rich as being an admirer of Karen's drumming skills, and that he frequently went to listen to her play. I've never have heard anyone better than Rich. And he wasn't known to be free with compliments. So... yeah she must have been something.

[@jfmax2000]

..I Was Just Thinking That...Oh My Baby Karen Could Emulate Buddy Rich 100%.. Karen was a Jazz Drummer (Tho in The Carpenters She Mostly Applied Her Amazing Jazz Drumming Skills to Popular Music) Where John was a Straight Up Hard/Progressive Rock Blues Drummer.. In The End... Their Both Legends ☺😎👊💯

[@ericbutler739]

Buddy was literally better than both of them with 1 hand while drinking with the other

[@DanielByers-qf9qi]

Carpenters were really a smooth jazz group who played as pop. Richard's arrangements were subtle and sophisticated, and Karen's finesse with drumming and phrasing with singing were more jazz than pop to my mind. I am actually not a jazz fan generally, but I am huge fan of Carpenters.

[@gabbleratchet1890]

"And he wasn't known to be free with compliments". Hahah. Those damned Berklee guys!

[@steveg6199]

@kevinp3550 - Thanks for mentioning that! When I watched that short clip in the video above of Karen drum solo'ing, her style reminded me of Buddy Rich.

[@jd6356]

Karen was a Fantasic drummer and the 1st kit she eever played on was mine. As young kids we lived close to each other on the New Haven/ East Haven CT Line. She loved the Drums but her mom said GIRLS DO NOT PLAY DRUMS. When I took my weekly lesson ( i was older than Karen and already had a few years of classes ) she would come to my house, i would show her what I learned and she would try it on my kit. I gave her a few prs of sticks and a practice pad. After a few months of this she told her mom what she was doing and her mom came to my home to hear her. Her mom said we are moving to Cali soon and when we get there, MAYBE U CAN TAKE LESSONS..Well she did. RIP my friend

[@Phoenixhunter157]

❤❤❤ awww. Thank you for sharing that. You gave her a gift that gave her happiness through her life. I played drums as a teen and my mom felt the same way about girls playing drums but she finally came round.

[@gregsayles9253]

Great Story! Thanks 👍

[@lei5072]

I love this story. Lucky to have spent time with her...

[@karencox3235]

Why did people say that girls can't play drums?! I wanted to play drums in 4th grade in 1976 and my mother wouldn't hear of it. I ended up on violin for a year, then switched to flute. In 8th grade I switched to tenor sax and stayed with that all through college. I had to sell my horn several years ago, because we needed money, but I have a guitar and recently a friend gave me a flute. I still consider myself a musician, but I never learned to play drums. :(

[@AtSafeDistance]

Were you in touch with her towards the end? I much like I imagine everyone else can't believe nobody was able to convince her how beautiful she was and how that she could not have improved upon her beauty and how beautiful the world saw her to be. It is genuinely one of the very saddest stories of anyone to ever live; the way she went out and how ironically opposite the world thought.

[@musiclover9361]

Let's not forget that when Karen delivered this 'Dancing In The Streets' performance, she was just 18 years old.

[@simonlarkin2539]

This does justice to Karen Carpenter. It is a fitting remembrance to her career.

[@LS-ki9ft]

Because of her haunting singing ability that created the Carpenters unique sound, her great jazz/big band drum chops did not get the attention that it deserved.

[@entropybentwhistle]

It’s so sad that she had such a self-destructive illness. She should still be with us today.

[@simonlarkin2539]

@@entropybentwhistle I agree. I really felt burned when Karen died. But to turn a bright note to it, Karen’s death brought attention to the whole issue of anorexia. And by doing so, Karen saved many lives.

[@EverTheTwain]

doesn't do justice to the Vandellas

[@davidsnyder3799]

@@EverTheTwain To be fair, that's a tall order to fill, that was not the point, The Vandellas provided vocals, only, and I don't think we have heard your rendition?

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

Take into consideration that clip of Karen was when she was 18. She had excellent technical drumming technique well beyond her age.

[@boathemian7694]

Keith Moon was ranked what?

[@warthogA10]

You realize you just nailed the difference right there... Technical vs Expressive Karen and John had completely different forms of attack when playing drums. Two completely different forms of discipline, Two completely different results/sound/effect being sought after. Karen was sophisticated and smooth, John was powerful and chaotic. Each of their personalities came through their style of playing.

[@warthogA10]

​@@boathemian7694... insane? 😂

[@strumbum946]

@@warthogA10- Yep!

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

@@warthogA10 - Thanks. It's all in the way the sticks are held. Maybe both were classically trained, but Karen chose to stay with the left hand grip. Check out Buddy Rich's grip, same as Karens. I think he was #1 in that playboy poll. If you've ever watched a Drum and Bugle Corps in action, you'll see the snare drummers don't attack the snare, they finesse it - they use the same grip and follow the same rudimental drumming technique. Developed wrist strength will allow a heavier attack, maybe not Bonham-level, but damn close. Same with Karens style. I think her roots were strongly held in classical technique. It was also written over the years that she was very skilled playing in different and more complex time signatures. It's almost a double edged sword with her career, her singing voice and technique were so strong, her label/management wanted to emphasize those talents instead. I would have loved to see her drumming skills more framed in her professional career, she'd have blossomed more over time to simply be a top level Jaw-Dropper.

[@garylagstrom3864]

I’m a drummer and I tell you Karen was right in there with all the great jazz and rock drummers of her day! I loved that she played traditional grip with the left stick on the snare and the hand speed she demonstrated around the kit! Of course most know her for her outstanding alto vocals but don’t be fooled because Karen was also a marvelous drummer! I learned a lot by watching her performances! Hats off to Karen Carpenter: drummer and singer 🎤🥁extraordinaire!

[@christophertiredofbs8514]

As a drummer?? Oh boy, you must be super intelligent, I should listen to what you say… You are awesome, big mouth

[@blanketstarry7725]

You are NOT a drummer. Karen Carpenter is pretty good. She is NOT on the same level of John Bonham or many jazz drummers. She just isn't. It's okay if you like her drumming, as I said she is pretty good, but don't lie about your own drumming experience to try and prop her up.

[@johncoopman1]

She would have killed it on Doors songs.

[@onewhoknowsrevenge6807]

Yeah, and John Bonham is not the best drummer.I play the drums myself, and can think of my head 10 drummers that are 10 times better.My fav Mike Portnoy is one of them.Danny Carey. Neil Peart.The list is endless.

[@KenFullman]

@@christophertiredofbs8514As a playboy reader, I can assure you that John Bonham was an idiot. Who TF reads playboy for music analysis?

[@ThroughMyWindshield]

My girlfriend (now wife) went to see the Carpenters at Notre Dame University in either 1974 or 1975. Outstanding concert. I remember she not only sang and played the drums but also played the saxaphone.

[@zarrir]

"It's a shame we lost both of them". Best phrase on the video

[@lostinmybackyard2006]

First Bonzo. Then Karen. And then Mick Shrimpton. Damn that Spinal Tap.

[@nickrhodes6485]

She did a solo with 6 drumsets. Getting up and playing all of em. I gotta say she surprised the hell outta me. A true beast!!

[@DrMarianus]

Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin actually invited BJ Wilson, the Procul Harum drummer, to be his first choice as drummer. Wilson has the classic jazz drummer training but was able to meld it so well with rock.

[@nickrhodes6485]

@@DrMarianus in the 90s my band backed up Jason bohnam. We are Cajuns so we cooked and hung out for a day. He was high AF but a great guy! It was an honor to meet him. He went on to sober up and play with so many amazing bands including Zeppelin! Plays alot like his pops.

[@nickrhodes6485]

@@DrMarianus on the carpenter topic I woulda never guessed how technically able she was on drums , such a small lady but it's deceiving because she was a beast !

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

That was all gimmick. She's much better than illustrated there. Fun though

[@DTD110865]

How many did Neil Peart use?

[@johanna-hypatiacybeleia2465]

Karen Carpenter's drum chops are undeniable. She commanded precise timing. Her mastery would be the envy of most drummers.

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

Marching band

[@jenuwinedisneyphiles4927]

She wasn't the drummer on their records; Hal Blaine was.

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

@@jenuwinedisneyphiles4927 try seeing her in concert , like we just did, she is a rudementary drummer from high school to get out of PE . Hal Blakne was a session drummer .Got it ?

[@jenuwinedisneyphiles4927]

@user-wy1dl2me2p Herb Alpert, founder of A&M records AND The Carpenters' producer, said Karen was competent at best and not nearly good enough for the recording studio. Alpert brought in Blaine, an acknowledged God of the drumkit and all things percussion, because, despite your wanting it to be so, Karen wasn't up to the job. So, I guess your fight is with Mr. Alpert, although his unquestioned success record dating back to the 1960s, would tend to move the scales in his favor. BTW, Hal Blaine did live work with lots of acts over the years, e.g., John Denver and Simon & Garfunkel.

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

@@jenuwinedisneyphiles4927 So was Larry London and Jim Gordon. Maybe others too.

[@inambaguum]

Fascinating and well-put together video. Thank you.

[@MEA-k7c]

👍 I am a huge fan of Bonzo and LED Zeppelin, but Karen was so gifted musically. She was a talented drummer and one of the greatest female vocalist of all time.

[@mbalamgabo8515]

even played bass on at least two songs...

[@davidburns6681]

I agree 100%

[@MBedell-VA]

Dude, she was a jazz drummer

[@grandeur9581]

@@MBedell-VA Meaning what?

[@MBedell-VA]

@@grandeur9581 My comment was just to emphasis where her drumming skills were from 1968-1971. Her brother should have kept her behind her kit. She was able to easily sing and play drums at the same time.

[@lauriespratt3972]

I saw The Carpenters when I was young, maybe five years old, at Disney. Karen was singing at a small cafe type venue. She had a beautiful voice. As she saw a somewhat tired child sitting with her head resting on her hand she drew closer and rested her own head on her hand, all the while singing and smiling at me. It is an image that I have never forgotten. Her kind spirit simply shone so brightly. I didn’t know about her personal demons until I was much older, but I will never forget her beautiful smile❤

[@gr8fulgeorge]

Beautiful 💖

[@petehenson3755]

Thank you for confirming what I hoped she was really like. The goody two shoes image was NOT an image, but was apparently real. I love the response of hers compared to Bonhom's and for that alone she is a winner!

[@patriciamoran9143]

Thank you for sharing that story. Karen had great empathy and compassion and loved children. Your time with her that day is evidence of a heart of gold

[@danielpenney9077]

Super sweet. I understand she had a Heart of Gold!

[@erinjordan6972]

What a wonderful memory💜Thanks for sharing.

[@socalsurfmex7472]

The Carpenters grew up 20 minutes from my hometown here in Southern California, in a small town called Downey. (Connecticut transplants in their pre-adolescent years). They were much older than me (by 12-16 years) but I was able to see them play at Disneyland when I was a small child. I remember watching Karen Carpenter playing drums and singing. And I remember watching my older brothers and dad (who appreciated musicianship) and they were floored on how well she kept her timing and sang while never missing a beat. Very impressive.

[@TheLarryBrown]

Everyone makes a big deal out of singing drummers but it's no big deal. All singing musicians keep perfect time, how could they not? It would be a train wreck, and playing even bass guitar is much much harder than is playing drums, just forget about guitar or keyboards. I can sing and drum just fine, and I'm "barely out of the garage" level talent. Richard is most known for playing Disneyland in 1967 when he was 21 years old, Karen did not play with him in that gig. Less known is that they did play a concert in Tomorrowland in 1974 when Richard was 28 and Karen was 24, that must be the show you remember. By that time they had been superstars for several years and had their show down cold.

[@marvinmartian8746]

Love that story. Must have been so cool. I used to work with a guy who told me he grew up in Downey and that Richard Carpenter played organ occasionally in the church they went to.

[@jayeurgo1961]

To be completely accurate, the Carpenters grew up in Connecticut until Richard was 14 and Karen 13.

[@Gynra]

@@TheLarryBrown I was a decent bass player back in the day (a very long day ago), but I struggled to sing at the same time. I could manage a few counter melodies, but my problem was I heard the bass line in my head, and couldn't concentrate on the tune. I envied people like Paul McCartney who could sing and play complicated bass lines simultaneously.

[@steveprice5664]

Wow! What a thoughtful review and comparison! Karen Carpenter certainly had one of the most beautiful voices in my lifetime. When I was in college, The Carpenters were scheduled to perform on our campus. Student body leaders complained that The Carpenters were 'too syrupy' for us rockers and ended up getting the performance canceled. What a shame. While I wasn't a big fan at the time, now I really appreciate their music and wish I could have seen them.

[@mjc4art]

We’ve all seen a performer/singer learn a few cords on the piano or guitar, learn to play a basic beat on the drums so they can play along on a song or two. Nobody could watch karen Carpenter play the drums and think she knew a few beats so she could play while singing a song. That woman could play, she put the time in and deserves the same respect for being an incredibly talented artist. If there is a Heaven, and I would like to believe there is, no doubt they had a drum off and a good laugh together. R.I.P. they are both sorely missed.

[@iamgermane]

Want to really twist your head? Check out the A.I. version of Paul McCartney singing "Ramble On."

[@DMSProduktions]

@@iamgermane Please NO! God NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo!!!

[@glennhecker4422]

Indeed! Karen was an absolute TORNADO on the drums.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@craigcampbell2905 English not your native language I see!

[@DMSProduktions]

@@craigcampbell2905 Ahh, I get it now! My 'Please god noooo', quip was from Steve Carel on the USA version of The Office! THAT was the reference! You may NOT have seen it!

[@Interior_Order]

Karen Carpenter was a phenomenal vocalist. i had no idea she was a talented drummer who could also sing at the same time. i was moved by how you did her justice, giving her the recognition she deserved as a uniquely talented artist. She was a beautiful soul who i'm sure we all miss dearly.

[@craigparker4108]

Paul McCartney once called Karen "the best female voice in the world".

[@ScramjetNY]

I was fortunate to see Karen Carpenter perform live, twice, in the early 70s. The first show she was predominantly on drums during their concert and all I can say regarding experiencing that first hand was HOLY S**T!!! Mesmerizing to say the least! The crowd was going wild!! We left that show in awe!! The 2nd time was over a year later and she was rarely behind the drum kit during this show. Still amazing, but nowhere near the surreal experience of seeing a master musician and artist, so thoroughly and and modestly, owning every soul in a packed arena.

[@zigman8550]

Very well said.

[@lisag18]

Great comment! Someone who saw her in both capacities

[@michaelconrad4445]

I love it

[@emsparamedic5183]

I wish I had been lucky enough to go to one Carpenter concert. Very lucky you!

[@waltlikker3988]

I read that during John Lennon's bender period, he was walking out of a club while Karen was walking in and drunkenly told her she has a great or beautiful voice, then pinched her behind...no he didn't pinch her. I made that up. Wishful thinking.

[@rickiovine2170]

This was one of the most well thought out, researched, edited, and presented videos on my favorite singer in popular music, Karen Carpenter. I was entering my junior year in high school when I first heard her angelic on the Carpenters new hit, “Close to You”. At about this time I lost my best friend in a car accident and I was in a daze for months. As I sat and cried sitting alone with the radio, Close To You was playing in the background. Karen’s fabulously melodic voice went into me and penetrated my very soul. Now, over 50 years later this song still has the same effect on me. I so appreciate the respect you gave to her in this video. Any amount of subjectiveness you offered always came from an objective base. The only way to offer opinions, in my view. You have a new subscriber.

[@creamnsugar6771]

Thank you so much for showing those clips of Karen Carpenter playing drums. I have NEVER seen them before, she was very slick in the way she sticked

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@theeclectic2919]

@@TJRtheOriginalThose clips are priceless!

[@mathewwallis2863]

As a drummer, myself, I especially appreciate your take on this. Well done.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

I appreciate that! Thank you for the comment.

[@2mkstudio]

Thank you for the story and the clips of Karen drumming. I never realized how good she was!

[@vmbrister3278]

Absolutely Excellent Video! I myself, who's sister was a Carpenter Maniac..(I loved her too) Had no clue about her drum skills until a few years ago when I saw a video where she displayed some of her prowess on a television program, going around the set playing various types of drums. I appreciate your spotlighting her, and giving a reasoned response to this subject...They were both Amazing and are Greatly missed ❤️

[@raystupka3823]

Outstanding take . You really nailed this topic with well thought out and reasoned presentation.

[@SGC511]

Singing and playing at the same time is indeed a skill set in itself.

[@RagenRibbonz]

And I’d say kind of especially with the drums. This isn’t definitive, but guitar usually goes more in sync with the vocals, while drums take on their own rhythm in order to get all the layers in. Not to mention backbeats. So it really is a unique combination skill you don’t see very often.

[@SGC511]

@@RagenRibbonz I can agree with that. I never tried to sing while playing drums.

[@mrobvious2032]

Hell Yeah, it's hard enough trying to play Drums with different stuff going on with all four limbs at once !!!!, ( I play Guitar & that's hard enough!!!!), but to nail the vocals as well !, now that's a talented muscian right there.

[@AG-iu9lv]

Can confirm. I could never do it. It's one of the things that Phil Collins was able to do that made him such a mesmerizing talent.

[@thomasfoss9963]

Yes, Ask Phil Collins or Mickey Dolenz--- They've been playing drums and singing for their entire careers!!!!!

[@AprilGay]

I just Googled 1975 Playboy Poll.. she was number one he was number two.. Great episode..thank you! ❤❤

[@lynnhafferkamp6054]

For years I was unaware of her drumming talents. Much respect

[@la196]

Same, I must be living under a rock with respect to this one:) I had no clue she had this level of "chops" on the drums. Very impressive.

[@misterskins]

@@la196yes big ditto

[@martinportelance138]

I immediately noticed. She wove a precise, delicate drum track that was as important to the Carpenters' sound as her brother's keyboards. And she did it with the utmost humility. One of the greatest American artists.

[@epickett63]

Same here. I was not a Carpenters fan, so I never knew she started on drums before moving to stage front. I didn't learn about her drumming skill until a couple of years ago.

[@Williestyle-RobotechxMacross-x]

In the late 1970's I was just aware of the Carpenters as a group, and their soft pop sounds. But just over a decade and a half ago I came to KZbin to "rediscover" music of types that I had not paid much attention to when it was new and one of the first things I saw was a video of Karen drumming - changed my opinion of her ever since. (sidenote : still the best of the best things l "rediscovered" from not being exposed to at the time it was "new", back a decade and a half ago was the "Madchester" scene (as well as "baggy" vs "grebo") and shoegaze music).

[@tomfontaine4960]

I’m 58. Grew up in Chicagoland on classic rock and the GratefulDead. Loved Zeppelin. Still do. When I was a kid we used to drive up to Door County Wisconsin for summer/fall vacations. This was the late 70’s. I still remember the road trips up in the station wagon with my mom playing th carpenters on her portable tape player. Thinking back on it now, that remains as strong a memory as any part of the trip. And let me tell you, Door County is pure magic, especially as a kid. Her music is still very special to me. She is one of a kind. The best musical voice I have ever heard.

[@carlsaganlives6086]

We used to go to Cave Point at night mid 70's - empty, no lights at that time - maybe with a few Leinie's and a jay or two, listen to the waves, soak up the ambience...young, carefree..

[@thewordlove4316]

did the family vacation at Jellystone?? mon, that's the story of my youth!!! I used to dig Jellystone - probably STILL would ... if it was open! being Mexican, we sometimes had different music playing, but it was always kuul heading up to Door County!!! 🤌🏒🚨🏒🤌

[@mrtalleymon]

You and I have a similar experience/memory : I'm 60, and Zeppelin was my favorite band growing up... but I also remember my mother playing the Carpenters on the 8-track in the car, and I secretly LOVED them (couldn't admit it as a teenager, LOL). Mom passed two years before Karen did... so Karen holds a special place in my heart.

[@ArtFusionUK]

I'm 60 and grew up in Chicagoland too (love the use of that term Chicagoland to those who know) so right around that era. I used to go to Door County too and loved it. Do you remember a mini mini theme park or something and there was a haunted house attraction that you walked through that was so realistic and incredibly scary?

[@hanginlaundry360]

Love Door County!

[@Spuzzmacher]

I also read an interview where John listed his favorite contemporary drummers and he named her and only a couple others. There is only one Bonzo, but the same can be said of her. That’s why they’re great.

[@jbs256]

You may be confusing him with Buddy Rich, who did meet Karen face to face with Cubby, his friend.

[@auldthymer]

@@jbs256 I recently learned that Cubby toured with the Carpenters.

[@Spuzzmacher]

I may be easily confused about most things in this life and pretty much of the time, but the day I forget who John Bonham is, I’ll check into a home bc its truly over for me.

[@jbs256]

@@auldthymer he was their primary road drummer, for the vast majority of their time. About 1972 forward. Can you see my main post correcting the poll numbers? Thanks!

[@fromchomleystreet]

Why is the same passage of narration appearing twice in video, usually straight after each other as in this case, such a common error on KZbin. I don’t really get how that could happen and go unnoticed prior to uploading, and yet I seem to see it quite a lot on here.

[@wallsign4575]

Thank you TJR, your analysis was superb.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thanks for watching.

[@Joe_Goofball]

Karen WAS a LOT cuter than Bonham...

[@williamlangan5902]

I won’t argue with that. Mrs. Bonham, his widow, might!

[@sharonconstable8146]

Yep, and it was, after all, a Playboy poll.

[@sharonbowers9929]

For real! 😂

[@777bigbird]

At least she could sing , Bonham didn't .

[@hellskitchen10036]

I still listen to the Carpenters because Karen's Voice goes right through me and brings me to another level , I could care less about her drumming lol.

[@earlgrey3461]

You are SO spot on (and I’m as huge a Zeppelin fan as you’re going to find- I saw Led Zeppelin at the LA Forum in 1975. I never did see The Carpenters, but my wife did- when Karen was playing drums for them!). Great vlog. 100% with you here.

[@damouze]

I remember seeing a clip of her doing a drumsolo. She basically went all over the stage playing all those different percussion elements and the expression of her face was very telling. I am convinced the only time she was truly happy was when she was playing the drums. And she expressed that sentiment on multiple occassions too: she considered herself a drummer first, singer second.

[@spamwagon]

I've watched that video many times. You're right- her joy was unmistakable.

[@robertblanks9602]

To add to this, I believe the video he’s referring to showed her playing at least five different drum sets at different times on stage. I was a huge fan of Ludwig drums and these were the plexiglass series that came out in the early 70s which Bonham also was famous for, she deserves all respect from all of us, musician and drummer alike.

[@carlaeskelsen]

Saw her play them live, and the joy and fun was palpable. The audience lapped it up like a dog with a pup cup. Wonderful memory.

[@riobabic8960]

No contest. Karen Carpenter.

[@spamwagon]

@@robertblanks9602 Yeah those Vistalite kits really seemed cool to me in the early 70's, and I still get that indescribable feeling I had as a kid seeing them. I ended up buying this enormous 11pc kit of smoked plexi Rogers when I was 18. Soon realized that they took up most of the small stages my band played on.

[@tophermartinthecomic]

My mom absolutely adored Karen Carpenter and was crushed the day she died. Sadly, mom passed about ten years later. Hearing any Carpenter's song to this day still brings a tear to my eye.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Sorry to hear about your Mom. Karen's voice can bring a tear to my eyes too.

[@danwest3825]

I am stunned. I had no idea that Karen Carpenter was a drummer first, and a damn good one too

[@gtw541]

same here. KZbin was the first time I heard the drummer part, I thought it was a joke of some kind. Very solid drummer, great singer, cool songs.

[@robertsala6577]

Look around for some of her solos: she was definitely steeped in a big band rudimental style.

[@Trenchant468]

There’s a clip of her running around a stage playing different drums on different platforms. She never looked happier.

[@briancunningham3155]

As a drummer myself, Karen Carpenter was a fantastic drummer. John Bonham was a legendary ROCK drummer. Both great with different styles.

[@scottbaker4890]

Karen was a great drummer and a legendary singer. Bonham was a mediocre drummer.

[@jerryholder6999]

65 years old here --and you just blew my mind! Didn't even know she played drums!!! As a long time musician myself, I'm flabbergasted that I didnt know this. Great video, btw.

[@thomastimlin1724]

No offense, but this is a common disease, even with the internet we have now...lack of enough inqusitiveness to dig deeper into detailed knowledge..I knew a guy I was in a band with once who didn't know Chuck Berry was African American.....lmao...I'm 68

[@TJRtheOriginal]

You are welcome. For a long time I was not aware of what a great drummer she was too. So I made this video especially for anyone like myself who may have not been aware of this fact.

[@theeclectic2919]

I've known for quite a long time that she was a drummer, but I didn't know about the Playboy rating until now. I always felt like Karen's talents were underrated. Sort of like how I feel about Prince and his guitar playing talents -- also extremely underrated.

[@rupe53]

@@thomastimlin1724 did you know that Buddy Miles was a Black Cherokee Indian? Few people do!

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@thomastimlin1724 :)...Reminds me of seeing Blood, Sweat and Tears on youtube 10 years ago and thinking: "They're white guys">?

[@garybates7021]

I’m so glad I came across this. I’m old enough to remember the Carpenters clearly, but I had no idea of what an incredible drummer she was. Thanks for opening my eyes and ears. Her loss, as well as Bonzo’s, remain among the great tragedies in my lifetime.

[@agemo82561]

As long as I have had an ear for music I have been in love with Karen Carpenter's voice. Many years later I learned that she was a heckuva good drummer too. Like you, my heart broke when I learned of her passing. The world is a less beautiful place without these two amazing drummers. Thank you for keeping the memories of Karen Carpenter and John Bonham alive. Peace.

[@Horatio1886build]

People ( the press) are so mean to people, really wicked remarks toward Karen. She was so nice kind and innocent. How could people be so cruel.

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

Most drummers know how great John Bonham was, but not everyone knows how good Karen Carpenter was on drums. She was a legit talent, and could play and solo in up-tempo jazz style as well as other styles.

[@Knightrick]

"... But to reach the stature that these musicians do, there is something to appreciate about All Of Them." Agreed. I've always felt the same.

[@LightRockDiscoPunk-PulseRuiz]

Bravo for this closer look, your presentation was entertaining and point proving. I'll be watching...

[@roscoepettigrew3737]

Karen could smash the drums. Her talent is unrivaled. Like...shes a multi talented animal. Massive respect for Karen Carpenter R.I.P. chicky ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Nightwish1773]

She couldn't smash food though !

[@DrMarianus]

Karen's drumming showed a talented skill. She also kicked her drumset offstage before Keith Moon did.

[@DTD110865]

​@@DrMarianusOkay, now I want to see that.

[@DrMarianus]

@@DTD110865 🙂

[@davericketts9101]

@@DTD110865 Me too.

[@vanessajazp6341]

Karen Carpenter considered herself a drummer first, a singer second.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Yes. She actually said that she considered and described herself as a drummer who could sing.

[@davidpetty2315]

Just think about that because she is easily top 10 female singer of all time..

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

@@davidpetty2315 Her delivery and vocal tones were absolutely incredible. 1 in a Zillion.

[@mrshelfsong]

when properly mic'ed and not behind her drums, she could sing like an angel. Skills from drumming certainly helped her in her singing as it pertains to phrasing and prosody.

[@zigman8550]

@@davidpetty2315 I would put her in the top 3

[@alexanderratcliffe375]

Karen Carpenter's voice simultaneously warms my heart and chills me to my bones. I was completely unaware of her talent for the drums, but it doesn't surprise me in the least. Her vocal timing was unimpeachable, so it follows that this skill was grounded in her percussive background. What an absolute talent she was.

[@SandySaunders9142]

Beautiful video. I loved the last several minutes especially.

[@Gambit-Lobo]

My father is a percussionist and musician. He was a part of the psychedelic rock band Beauregard Ajax. I remember when I was a tween, showing interest in drumming, him telling me about a bunch of skilled drummers and Karen Carpenter was on his list of names mentioned. Thank you for sharing that fact with others. She deserves to remembered for all her talents.

[@CardinalJunky]

I love them both. Great talents that were not with us long enough, but I am grateful for what they left behind.

[@ilovesuisse1]

Me too.

[@johndcunninghamjr4111]

I always felt she was totally forgotten as a drummer. She was a awesome drummer and I think she was better than most people will admit. I was raised in the 70's and I can remember many times when she proved she was a professional drummer. I think she should have been higher than #5 on that list. Also I think it's wrong to say she wasn't a rock drummer, you should have been around when she was getting warmed up for a show or playing with other people when she was not singing. She was a totally different person playing the drums. She really loved to play those drums.

[@A-whiter-shade-of-pale]

The first time I saw Karen on the drums was in 1965 or 6 (which made Karen around 16) in several jazz clubs around LA. In 1966, the Richard Carpenter Trio played "Iced Tea" and "The Girl from Ipanema" at the Hollywood Bowl Battle of the Bands (and won). Richard wrote some of their music and played the keyboards Karen on drums and Wes Jacobs on bass. In the 1968 Your All-American College Show (and won your video was from that performance) Bill Sissoyev had replaced Jacobs. Her favorite drummer was Joe Morello. who was the drummer in the Dave Brubeck Quartet. She had mastered Take Five at 16.

[@marsbase3729]

Thank you for this. I was only a kid when the Carpenters were popular and I always liked her voice, but had no idea she was such a great drummer.

[@jw4321]

Excellent points about Karen. 1. Top notch drummer who could probably sit in with a wide range of styles from jazz to rock and be in demand. 2. An extraordinary unique and recognizable vocalist who would probably be in demand today. 3. Singing while drumming is really hard! It's pleasing to me that Karen is enjoying a bit of a second look by people such as yourself. As a drummer myself I recall how surprised I was seeing her demonstrate her skills on a TV special. I saw an interview with Richard Carpenter recently and learned something else I didn’t know. The group was always Carpenters not The Carpenters. just as we would not say The Led Zeppelin.

[@johnsilva9139]

In that clip they were The Dick Carpenter Trio.

[@lesleyevans1289]

Very well put, excellent presentation . I'm a woman & used to sing some of Karen's songs in clubs & pubs in the Uk, one thing that struck me was her incredible sense of timing, that was before I knew her instrument of choice like you say was the drums, they were both incredibly talented musicians. Thanks I enjoyed your video. ..

[@thomastimlin1724]

Richard and Karen said in an interview that the money was in the basement....meaning her low notes really captured the mood and the listener...and sold lots of records...a very warm tone...

[@censusgary]

I hadn’t paid attention to Karen Carpenter’s drumming (only her singing) until a year or two ago, when I read about how highly other drummers regarded her. And yes, she was great.

[@theeclectic2919]

And her voice was angelic!

[@MrMnmn911]

Karen and Richard (The Carpenters) once had a TV variety show. In one of the segments Karen played solo on a number of different drums set-ups displaying her great ability to play drums. Have you ever seen that TV show segment? If not, it is well worth watching her play and smile as she movedd frrom drum set to drum set.

[@SLAYERSWINE1]

Buddy Rich called Karen Carpenter his favorite drummer.

[@MBedell-VA]

This is true

[@cvn6555]

Watching her it is clear to see that she emulated his style. What a wonderful compliment.

[@titanuranus]

Buddy Rich knew a thing or two about drumming. It's damn depressing that 99.9% of the kids I run into ("kids" being defined as anyone 45 and under) have NO idea who Buddy Rich was. Hell, the don't even know who Ginger Baker was. Excuse, me I need to have a drink or 3 of some scotch.

[@MBedell-VA]

@@titanuranus the only drummer I've seen who can do a drum roll with 1 hand

[@kurtsherrick2066]

​@Mark-er7zd That isn't true. Ian Paice can do the one hand drumroll. Buddy showed him how to do it. Perfect Student to teach. Ian was the fastest at the rolls in his day. Ian demonstrated the technique to Will Farrell. Haha! Actually Chad Smith. You probably can Google that demonstration. It is awesome.

[@Gene-XL]

Good call on mentioning: “…the demon of alcohol abuse!” Kudos!

[@billryan9350]

My brother was a limo driver for Phil Ramone in 1983 and he drove Karen a few weeks before her death. He saw her first name on her luggage but did not realize who she was until she sang in the car. She bought him a slice of pizza and he said that she was one of the nicest people he had ever met. Peter Frampton and Keith Richards were also friendly passengers.

[@TheLarryBrown]

By all accounts Karen was a kind person, and she will be rewarded in heaven for that.

[@TheLarryBrown]

As far as "one of the nicest people I've ever met," that's an interesting concept. If you meet a celebrity or other person with a lot of power, say Queen Elizabeth, or a President, or someone rich like Rockefeller, or some corporate CEO, and they are nice, you're going to say they were one of the nicest people you've ever met. If you meet a normal nice guy like me, you're going to think I was overly friendly and talked too much and avoid me. It has to do with how we perceive power.

[@howardmann8689]

The best stuff happens randomly in cabs

[@howardmann8689]

Damn Karen could jam

[@christophertiredofbs8514]

Who cares my dad met superman, wonder woman and Aquaman

[@jonjackson5372]

Thank you for this enlightening video. Although I was aware that Karen played the drums during the early years of the Carpenters, I was not aware that she was such a talented musician. And how congenial and empathetic her response to Bonham’s words about the drummer ranking. She was a truly beautiful soul!

[@MrRJ139]

I like this man! TJR, you have a,pleasant, relaxed and engaging way of talking and presenting. I lot of other "hosts" could learn a thibg or two from listening and learning.

[@PeterTea]

Thanks for this. I wasn’t even aware the Karen was a drummer… and obviously a helluva a one at that. Zeppelin is my favorite group and Bonzo my favorite drummer but why compare fine wine to a fine scotch… they’re both fine.

[@heidialexander8440]

Wow, my heart just dropped hearing her compassionate and humble response to Bonham's reaction. Appreciate the video.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

You bet!

[@JosephPetrizzojr-v4p]

They were both dynamite, i loved both of them as a drummer myself i have mad respect for them both, may they both R.I.P. IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS AMEN. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jameskucera8737]

❤❤❤

[@marybuckley4375]

Great video! Very intelligent and (especially) sensitive appraisal of both musical legends. Such intelligence and sensitivity is rare these days, especially on KZbin! Well done!

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlesbarbour]

Apples and Oranges. They are BOTH great drummers in their own right. Neither should be ranked above the other.

[@josephosheavideos3992]

I have seen the video clip several times on You Tube of the Carpenters (then known as the "Dick Carpenter Trio") that you reference, playing "Dancing In the Street". My favorite part of this clip is emcee Dennis James uttering what might the greatest understatement in show business history. As James is introducing Karen as the trio's drummer, he adds, "And this young lady can sing too."

[@jbs256]

Very perceptive, Joe. I hadn’t thought of that but so true. I’m assuming you are a fan like me. Find the channel,by Harvey Stig and enjoy the treasure trove he’s making. Joe

[@RogerRamjet156]

Loved and grew up with both, we'll miss them always!

[@Tool-Meister]

As a long retired “singing drummer”, I subscribe to the theory of “Whole Body Muscle Memory “. When singing lead, I seldom had to consciously think about the drumming, which could be significantly complex. I was on “auto pilot “. That’s seemed to be Karen,’s ability too. My wife and I believe Karen’s death was tragic and preventable. A family friend suffered from similar overbearing family treatment. We took a stand for our friend, moving her a thousand miles from the epicenter of her mistreatment. Too bad someone didn’t do the same for Karen…. BTW, on a lighter subject, some of my very early recordings can be found elsewhere on KZbin, with performances of The Soothsayers. I was 16 and 17 years old when the recordings were released.

[@bgraif]

I came of age in the 1960s and too only learned recently of KC’s skill as drummer and was blown away. How’d they manage to hide that from us all those years hearing her fabulous voice?

[@Malibu1515]

Only hidden from you. There were many videos and variety shows they appeared on where she played the drums. She also played the drums at every concert they performed. It was a part of their show.

[@dotarsojat7725]

Hiding her drumming skills from her public, may well have played a part in her demise.

[@johnisouth6636]

She tore it up on Dancing in the Street. She was more jazz driven.

[@patriciamoran9143]

​@@craigcampbell2905Van Halen came after Carpenters

[@patriciamoran9143]

@@craigcampbell2905 it's a funny reminder that nothing disappears once it's out there on the Internet 😉

[@kendallsmith1458]

As were the Funk Brothers

[@marksims9530]

one amazing lady, I love everything she has done, Also love Led Zeppelin, and would never try to compare.

[@christophertiredofbs8514]

Yes don’t come here because bottom will come out on top every time… Everybody hast to talk shit for women’s rights… I bet she was an equal fire fighter too , I bet she could carry a 200 pound man up a ladder right?

[@Embur12]

It's too bad Karen didnt live to a rip old age, as she could have copied Pat Boone and done a hard rock album of classic covers.

[@StuffILearnedFromYouTube-wn1pf]

Thank you, brother. I never would have thought of those two at the same time if you hadn't brought it up. Now I have to wonder what she could have done on Bonhams kit.

[@LaMusicade4]

The fact is we lost 2 beautiful souls

[@KermitForPrez]

First time viewer here, and a BIG fan of both Zep and the Carpenters (that sounds weird to say, but when you grew up in the 70's...) hey great job! Your summation was very even-handed, respectful, and really laid out the facts. I hate "greatest ever" in-anything-lists since they compare - as you said, apples to oranges - and treat life like it happens in a vacuum. No context for time, external influences, or a whole list of other factors that don't fit on a numerical list.

[@idahodad1]

Totally agree, each drummer was influenced by a different genre of music, with both excelling in that genre. An apples to oranges comparison indeed. Like comparing a flat picker to a gypsy jazz picker. The influence of the voter will vote for the one that moves them. I remember when my oldest son played bass for his grandmother (my mom). He started off with "War Pigs" and he nailed it. Mom just nodded and smiled, and then I told him to play some country tune with a root and fifth beat. As he played this country tune in time, My Mom said, "Hey! You're pretty good!"

[@AmigoKandu]

As a hobby filmer that filmed over a decade among indigenous cultures, there is no way to rank the various drumming, or rythmic rattle gourds, or beat sticks. It is all rhythm and all good! Congrats on the stats for this awesome video, people needed to hear your words. Finally, I love that outro tune!

[@d.e.b.b5788]

It's always a curiosity, that so many people get their knickers in knot, insisting that their favorite artist is better than another. They are/were all great, and they were all different. We are all just so lucky, that we live in a time when we have recordings of them all, to enjoy whenever we want. A salute to all the musicians that perform so well, for all of us. Thank you, everyone. Thank you for all your hard work, and know that your songs will live forever.

[@juliocesarpereira4325]

Well, I fell in love with the Carpenters in the early 1970s. They were very popular and it was hard not to listen to any of their songs on the radio here in Brasil. My sister had a copy of 'Horizon', a highly successful album. I used to listen to it frequently and I spent so much time doing it that I read all the information contained in its inner sleeve and back cover. For example, I learned that the last song of Side B, 'I Can't Dream, Can I' was originally released in 1940. I also learned that she played the drums in all the songs. I was impressed. Who would not remember the beautiful introduction to 'Only Yesterday' where Karen plays her drums so simple and yet remarkably. As a non-native speaker of English, she helped me a lot. Her pronunciation is perfect, and by emulating it, even without knowing exactly what the lyrics meant, I perfected my own pronunciation to the point that I already had good and clear pronunciation long before mastering the language. As for John Bonham, he was not fair to Karen at all. I love both of them equally.

[@zigman8550]

Horizon is a great album! Karen's voice is so hauntingly beautiful on the two bookend songs. Aurora and Eventide.

[@jamesarnette1394]

Julio, your comment is very well written and I think perfectly makes the right points about these two great drummers. I want to compliment you on your english, which is absolutely fantastic in written form. I expect that you speak it as well as you write it at this point. Congratulations on being fluent in two languages. Here in America that doesn't happen very often.

[@jasondominick5773]

As a big Hip Hop, Comic Book, Classic Horror fan this is the exact type of thesis I appreciate. You look at the arguments from all sides of the two artists in professional, personal, and emotional. Letting fans understand the nuances of their separate skills and the foundation they lie. Thank you!

[@TJRtheOriginal]

You're welcome!

[@stephaniehowell1109]

I'm 57. Grew up hearing Karen's voice, and always loved it. But I never knew, til now, she was such a great drummer. Thank you!!

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

When I heard she died I felt we all lost someone special . Her voice always made me calm and at peace . Forgot thst she played drums , man she rips .

[@25svbn]

She was an awesome drummer. I'm so sorry they both suffered from addictions that took them from us 😢❤🇨🇦

[@skip081961]

Interestingly, I knew she was a drummer but the clips you showed I had never seen before. She was AMAZING!

[@TJRtheOriginal]

I was surprised at how good she was too, when I first saw this video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@toddmorrison7342]

A very well done comparison/analysis, thank you, as they both gave us life-long joy.

[@jameswilburn6605]

I'm glad you brought this up. Both were exceptional in their own rights. The choice of who is better is a term in the way of 2 kids saying " my dad is better than your". They were both loved and passed to soon. Just celebrate their music and talent without trying to make a rivalry between music icons.

[@donnicholas7552]

Great video! I agree it's "apples & oranges." Both were great drummers but playing different styles.

[@silmarmonte1]

In my opinion you are completely right. Both of them left their legacy forever in the history of pop music. For me Karen Carpenter is a great inspiration for all the women! Thank you for this great video!

[@reisereise4277]

Outstanding analysis. Balanced and precise regarding two unique artists. Different genres performed at a world class level. Both can be appreciated. New subscriber.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thank you. Welcome aboard.

[@floridmike4696]

My grandparents had built a bar in their basement complete with a jukebox that held 45s which was the traditional medium for singles in the seventies. On that jukebox was a Capenters song On Top of the World, which O played to death. I thought Karen Carpenter was an angel sent from heaven to make my childhood happy...

[@madhonib]

It is nice for you to recognize that Karen Carpenter was a great talent. I also believe that they forced her out from behind the drums. That made a thing about her figure & that loss of control over her life That caused great turmoil which caused the ED to escalate out of control. She was such an inspiration, to everyone. Her early death was a tragic loss to the entire world. IMHO

[@bartdrennon1764]

There was no "thing about her figure". That was all in her own sick mind. It's hard for us to understand how she could look in a mirror and see a fat person. The move away from the drums was about marketing. Her incredible singing was the reason they were selling millions of records. They wanted her out front and featured as much as possible.

[@bradinmoab]

I'm glad you brought up simultaneous music and singing. As a legendless musician, I realized I couldn't even dream of playing and singing at the same time. In my head I'm either a singer or guitarist, and that is as far as I could ever go.

[@dunsapinas]

Wow! I had no idea Karen Carpenter could play like that. She was an incredible talent. Rest in Peace Karen and John.

[@pattyneff4624]

Drumming and singing together is an amazing gift. She really has it. They’re both phenomenal drummers, but I think they are definitely different genres. She looks so heartfelt✨and happy when she’s playing🙌 Thank you for sharing your thoughts👌

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

I am a hard rock guitarist. My favorite vocalists are Neil Diamond & Karen Carpenter. I was born at a great moment in music.

[@v.e.7236]

I was in Army basic training, on my way to some training area and the DI had the radio playing, when I heard the news report that Karen died and immediately broke into tears and, of course, was heckled by the other recruits, but I didn't really care, she was my musical "love" and I was beside myself w/ grief. We lost a National treasure that day.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Right on! Her death broke my heart too.

[@williamhartley4752]

I'm a drummer who grew up on both of them. Love them both.

[@davidgarstang123]

I fell in love with Karen Carpenter for her voice, both that rich, mellifluous alto/contralto and her vocal interpretation that could rip my heart out. I knew she'd started out as the drummer, so I assumed she had at least a basic proficiency on drums, but I had no idea that her skills were at a level where anyone would compare her to someone like John Bonham -- let alone consider her to be his superior behind a drum set! Your posting was quite balanced, and very thoughtfully presented. Thank you so much!

[@TJRtheOriginal]

You’re welcome . Just like you, I fell in love with her amazing voice. I knew that she played drums, but not to what extent. It wasn’t until recently that I was exposed to the same video footage that I used in this video and then felt the need to share that knowledge with others.

[@1BigCREE1Redtail]

Wow! Karen Carpenter was awesome on Drums! Sing at the same time! Wow!!

[@beatleographer_10-51]

Great video! I've never watched your videos ... I will now. 👍

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thanks. Glad you liked it!